Coconut Portfolio Finally Finds Relief by way of Much Improved International Logistics Costs; Demand Shows Uptick Moving into 2023
After over 2 years of very difficult and high costs on international freight, the end of 2022 finally brings sharp relief on logistics costs for materials from South/Southeast Asia. With the fast drop in freight costs, an increase in selling demand to “cycle” higher cost basis inventory shows for the North American Market.
Desiccated Coconut
While Filipino and Sri Lankan suppliers finally show signs of normalization on raw material and production costs, international freight has dropped 60%+ pulling landed costs down fast. That being said, the interim lows on raw material costs in December have already bounced back 5-10% moving into the start of the year.
In attempts to cycle inventory, many larger importers with problematic cost-basis inventory have flooded the market with short-coded and discounted materials, an opportunity for some, and confusion for many to understand fair market pricing.
The recent relaxation of international freight costs has spurred buyers to step in and contract with the lower rates, balancing out the demand/supply and stabilizing pricing.
What this means to you:
It is strongly recommended that with the relaxed international logistics costs, buyers can become more aggressive and try to lock in rates for at least Q1 of 2023. TCC is offering discounted contracts on desiccated coconut through March.
Organic Coconut Sugar
Sugar supply continues to stable, with freight falling but demand stable-to-increasing; Forecast is for the best international freight rates in 2 years into the start of 2023, almost back to pre-COVID levels.
Coconut Sugar supply is stable, with older stateside material stocked at higher cost basis than fresh imports, creating selling pressure for companies with inventory to clear older material.
As a reminder, the US Government’s failure to extend GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) in 2021 remains active, resulting in a 5.1% tariff on all imported Coconut Sugar for the foreseeable future.
What this means to you:
Pricing on sugar has seen a definite reprieve moving in the late stages of 2022 and buyers have slowly stepped up to lock in reduced pricing. It is recommended that all buyers move to contract at the lower rates in case of any quick swing on freight due to underlying international geo-economic riptides. TCC is offering discounted contracts on Sugar for the 1st half of 2023.
Coconut Flour
Organic coconut flour supply is stable from most origins, with product readily available for shipment. Suppliers are booking contracts through Q1 2023 at this time, at stable rates. Despite the freight relief, as the lowest-cost material in the coconut portfolio, Coconut Flour also remains hardest hit by freight and logistics increases.
Some demand on Coconut Flour has increased of late, as buyers step in at the 15%+ lower landed cost/rates.
The US Government’s failure to extend GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) has also hit all origins on this material, resulting in a steep 9.6% tariff on all imported Coconut Flour.
What this means to you:
Although pricing is stable, the un-extended GSP continues to burden the cost of Coconut Flour, with pricing still above COVID lows despite the freight relief. With pricing getting closer to pre-COVID levels, buyers are stepping up to cycle older and higher cost-basis inventory. Through January, The Coconut Cooperative is offering 10%+ discounts on this material at 10+ pallet contracts through considerations from its supplier-partners to combat the extreme logistics costs.
Coconut Oil
Like flour, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil production is becoming increasingly stable. However, with recent years’ legislative production restrictions of Palm Oils at some origins, local markets have resorted to RBD material to replace a standard industrial ingredient, resulting in a significant demand squeeze on Organic RBD Coconut Oil pricing over the 6-months, which finally is showing relief. While OVCO cost has fallen sharply over the last 3 months, Organic RBD continues to be a larger pricing challenge for larger buyers.
What this means to you:
Coconut Oil remains on the stable side of the Coconut Ingredient portfolio, with material almost now returning to pre-COVID levels on landed cost thanks to sharply decreasing freight costs. We are recommending that buyers contract or buy material at current costs through at least Q1 2023, with looming international challenges still present and the risk of freight swinging to the upside. In order to combat freight costs, TCC is currently offering discounts on OVCO orders or contracts of over 10 totes through March, please inquire if interested.
Coconut Milk Powder | Coconut Cream Powder | Coconut Water Powder
The Vietnamese origin Coconut Milk and Water Powder supply remain on the stable side of the portfolio, with freight falling 50-70% since the start of November.
As Vietnam was one of the hardest hit origins during the pandemic with regard to freight, the sharp decrease is showing fast relief on the landed cost of this material. Where possible, it is advised that clients follow the trend of ‘cycling inventory’ landed at a higher cost basis and restock at current pricing, which may prove to be interim lows.
Demand has seen an uptick, especially in low-fat Coconut Milk Powder in the last 2 months, as buyers try to take advantage of the lower international logistics costs.
What this means to you:
Coconut Milk/Cream/Water Powder continues to be on the more stable side of the coconut portfolio, albeit at a small premium to pre-COVID levels. As fastest selling ingredients in TCC’s portfolio, we recommend that clients contract or order inventory needed for a minimum of 3-6 months due to steadily increasing demand over the last 3 years, and adoption of the powders over traditional liquid materials.
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